The Super Eagles striker scored Coventry’s second goal in the 37th minute, giving the hosts a comfortable first-half advantage after Tatsuhiro Sakamoto had opened the scoring.
The victory was Coventry’s third Premier League win of the season and lifted them out of the relegation zone, while Sunderland remained bottom of the table.
Awoniyi ends wait for first Coventry league goal
Coventry made a positive start and took the lead in the 17th minute through Sakamoto, who finished from the edge of the penalty area after Sunderland failed to deal with a cross from the right.
Awoniyi then doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 37th minute with an excellent individual effort.
The Nigerian forward dispossessed Sunderland captain Luke O’Nien before driving towards the penalty area and finishing beyond goalkeeper Robin Roefs. It was his first Premier League goal since joining Coventry during the summer transfer window.
The goal rewarded Awoniyi’s persistence and gave Lampard’s team a valuable two-goal cushion heading into the interval.
Rudoni extends Coventry’s advantage
Coventry continued their strong performance after the restart and made it 3-0 in the 52nd minute.
Jack Rudoni collected the ball around the edge of the penalty area before unleashing an effort that took a deflection off Sunderland defender Omar Alderete, leaving Roefs unable to prevent it from entering the net.
Sunderland attempted to respond and eventually reduced the deficit in the 67th minute.
Following a VAR review, the referee awarded the visitors a penalty after Ethan Pinnock handled the ball in the area. Enzo Le Fée stepped up and converted from the spot to make it 3-1.
Awoniyi receives applause as Coventry secure victory
Awoniyi's afternoon ended in the 72nd minute when he was replaced by Sidiki Cherif, receiving applause as he left the pitch.
Sunderland continued searching for another goal, but Coventry defended their advantage and held on for all three points.
The visitors' afternoon became even more difficult in stoppage time when Alderete received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 90th minute of added time.
Important result for Coventry
The victory provided a significant boost for Coventry as they moved out of the Premier League relegation zone after nine matches.
For Awoniyi, scoring his first league goal for the club represents an encouraging milestone as he looks to establish himself as an important attacking option under Lampard.
The Nigerian striker will hope to build on this performance and maintain his scoring momentum as Coventry continue their fight to secure Premier League survival.
Full-time: Coventry City 3-1 Sunderland
Goals:
• Coventry City: Tatsuhiro Sakamoto 17', Taiwo Awoniyi 37', Jack Rudoni 52'
• Sunderland: Enzo Le Fée 67' (pen)
Red card:
• Sunderland: Omar Alderete 90+9'